Ginseng (Panax Ginseng). Ginseng is used especially in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a general tonic, helping to improve a host of physiological functions, including immune functions. Commission E and the World Health Organization recognize the tonic effects of ginseng on the body of tired or weak people. In addition, studies tend to show that this plant would be interesting to provide better protection against the flu and colds.^21,22,60.

Dosage

Take 100 mg to 200 mg of standardized ginseng extract (4% to 7% ginsenosides), twice a day.

 echinacea (Echinacea sp.). Echinacea is especially useful for slightly reducing the duration of a cold and alleviating the symptoms. symptoms. Regarding prevention, studies do not provide a clear answer at the moment. Some indicate that taking echinacea regularly may actually reduce the frequency of colds^23,24. However, the magnitude of the protective effect varies from study to study.

Dosage

It is important to take echinacea at the first sign of an upper respiratory infection (cold, sinusitis, laryngitis, etc.). For the dosage, see the Echinacea sheet.

Warning

It is recommended not to take Echinacea for more than 8 consecutive weeks. Experts believe that if the immune system is stimulated for a long time, it could either become depleted or become tolerant to the stimulation. To find out more, read the section Precautions and the opinion of pharmacist Jean-Yves Dionne in the Echinacea sheet.

 probiotics. Probiotics, bacteria that are beneficial to the body, are part of the composition of the intestinal and vaginal flora. It seems that certain probiotics can help the immune system of children to develop and that of the elderly to function better.^43-45 . These bacteria act in particular by stimulating the production of various antibodies in the human body. In a clinical trial, children treated with probiotics were better protected against respiratory system infections than those who took a placebo⁴⁶.

 Body-mind approaches. Body-mind approaches (which include relaxation techniques, meditation and psychotherapy, among others) focus on the interactions between emotions and the physical body. Thus, by solving an emotional problem, one would reap physical benefits, and vice versa. Regarding the general strengthening of the immune system, trials indicate that certain psychological interventions may have positive effects on immunity^55-58 .

 Qi Gong. Qi Gong is an “energy training” integrated into Traditional Chinese Medicine. Numerous studies in vitro et in vivo examined the effect of Qigong on various parameters ofimmunity. Several have indicated that the emission of Qi by masters or the regular practice of Qigong can have a measurable effect on various immune cells. These encouraging results have still limited clinical significance.

 To laugh. Several small studies investigating the physiological effects of laughter have been published^32-37 . Generally, the experiments consist in making the subjects watch comic films or documentaries. The levels of various components of the immune system are then measured in their blood or saliva. Laughter seems to participate in good immunity.

 Colostrum. Colostrum is a yellowish substance that female mammals produce within 24 to 48 hours of the birth of their young. Very rich in proteins and antibodies, it helps to strengthen the immune system of newborns. Dairy cow colostrum is sold as a natural product believed to support the immune system, ward off disease, and delay aging. For the moment, research does not allow to conclude on the effectiveness of this product.⁴⁹.

 Whey isolate. Whey isolate is commercially available in powder form which must be mixed with a little water or juice (not to be confused with whey protein). This product contains a high proportion of antibodies and several nutrients in concentrated form. The results of preliminary tests indicate that the whey isolate, at a rate of 24 g to 45 g per day, can act favorably on thefaulty immunity of people with AIDS^{30, 51-53}, hepatitis B (maize, no hepatitis C)⁵⁴ and cystic fibrosis³¹.

 Multivitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals are essential elements for growth and maintenance of vital balance. They therefore also help to keep the immune system in good condition. At the moment, opinions differ as to the usefulness of taking multivitamins for preventing diseases such as cancer and heart problems. It may be that only certain populations – probably at greater risk of nutritional deficiencies – benefit more, such as the elderly and those with diabetes.

 Zinc. Even a slight zinc deficiency has a significant effect on several aspects of immune function in humans²⁵. However, researchers are uncertain whether long-term zinc supplementation (6 months to 2 years) can boost immunity, as studies conducted so far have found conflicting results.^26-28 . The participants in these studies were aged 55 and over.

 Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus). Some preparations from the Chinese pharmacopoeia containing astragalus root aim to stimulate the immune system of people weakened by disease or simply aging or tired. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, astragalus also stimulates heart functions. Let us cite the example of the traditional preparation Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, whose main ingredient is astragalus root.

Dosage

To prevent respiratory tract diseases, it is recommended to take 4 g to 7 g of astragalus root per day in 2 or 3 doses. It can also be taken as a dry extract, tincture or decoction. For more details, see our Astragalus sheet.

 Eleutherococcus (Eleutherococcus senticosus). Eleutherococcus is also called Siberian ginseng. This adaptogenic plant, with a tonic action on the whole organism, would possibly exert immunomodulatory effects and a broad spectrum antiviral activity, as revealed by studies. in vitro and preliminary studies in humans.

Dosage

Make an infusion with 2 g to 4 g of dried root in 150 ml of boiling water. Drink 1 or 2 cups a day. Consult the Eleutherococcus sheet for other ways to use it.

 The following plants or products have been used in traditional oriental medicine to stimulate immune functions : velvet antlers, cordyceps, epimedium, maca, maitake, reishi and shiitake. Several preparations sold commercially to support the immune system contain either of these herbal substances. For more information on their use (dosage, precautions, etc.), consult each of these sheets.